All-For-Reef - Powder -- How to Test Accuracy of Mix

[Sdoutreefer]

I am steering away from the pre-mixed AFR, because my wallet doesn't like it, and I am curious if there is any way to test the "accuracy" of mixing with the powder solution? I made about a gallon of AFR the other day and want to know that it was mixed correctly.

Is there some way to test the accuracy and/or parameters of the mix? I did follow instructions, but I'm paranoid and like to know that I mixed correctly.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Miami Reef]

What’s the instructions of the product? How many grams/cups of powder per gallon?

If you measured the proper amount, then you did it right. You gotta trust yourself.

There isn’t an easy way to test the potency. If you use it and it’s keeping your alkalinity in line like the premixed product, then it’s good.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You could add some to some tank water and measure the calcium rise. I’d aim to add at least 100 ppm. I agree that the precision of the answer won’t be better than measuring of the solid before adding.

 

[EliMelly]

You could add some to some tank water and measure the calcium rise. I’d aim to add at least 100 ppm.

To add to this question… I mixed some two weeks ago but didn’t dose it yet. It kind of crusted a bit in the dosing container that will decírmelo affect accuracy correct?

 

[areefer01]

Is there some way to test the accuracy and/or parameters of the mix? I did follow instructions, but I'm paranoid and like to know that I mixed correctly.

I'm not sure I understand what you are asking to be honest. Don't over think it and just follow the instructions. Instructions below.

I purchase the 1600g container which makes 10 liters of product. I make up 3600 ml at a time in 2 1800 ml batches. Basically I get 1800 ml of rodi water, place in beaker, let it get to room temp, then measure out 320 g of all for reef, slowly pour into beaker, toss in spinner pill, place beaker on the magnetic / auto stir device, and let it gently mix for 20 minutes or so. Turn it off, pour into the storage container, and make another batch.

I found that it always mixes clear when I make batches of this size and the rodi water is at room temp. Also I found that weighing the product works better. At least for me. When I'm done I have 3600 ml of product and it lasts a couple months. I don't really have any build up on the bottom. Sometimes the last part may have a orange tint but it isn't anything to worry about. Clear otherwise. I just rinse out and dry the container before next batch is made.

Honestly if you follow the instructions properly there won't be any issues. If you jam pack the product in the scoop like brown sugar or over fill it then there is a slight margin of error. I've not done that so not sure how good or bad it is. I just weigh it and it has worked form me since I started using the powder. Even when using the DIY recipe using their components worked well.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

To add to this question… I mixed some two weeks ago but didn’t dose it yet. It kind of crusted a bit in the dosing container that will decírmelo affect accuracy correct?

Not a concern.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

I'm not sure I understand what you are asking to be honest. Don't over think it and just follow the instructions. Instructions below.

I purchase the 1600g container which makes 10 liters of product. I make up 3600 ml at a time in 2 1800 ml batches. Basically I get 1800 ml of rodi water, place in beaker, let it get to room temp, then measure out 320 g of all for reef, slowly pour into beaker, toss in spinner pill, place beaker on the magnetic / auto stir device, and let it gently mix for 20 minutes or so. Turn it off, pour into the storage container, and make another batch.

I found that it always mixes clear when I make batches of this size and the rodi water is at room temp. Also I found that weighing the product works better. At least for me. When I'm done I have 3600 ml of product and it lasts a couple months. I don't really have any build up on the bottom. Sometimes the last part may have a orange tint but it isn't anything to worry about. Clear otherwise. I just rinse out and dry the container before next batch is made.

Honestly if you follow the instructions properly there won't be any issues. If you jam pack the product in the scoop like brown sugar or over fill it then there is a slight margin of error. I've not done that so not sure how good or bad it is. I just weigh it and it has worked form me since I started using the powder. Even when using the DIY recipe using their components worked well.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, if I accidentally added a few too many mls of RO/DI, or a "not level" scoop of powder, will this kick the parameters out of wack? Is there a way to check that I mixed correctly? I think I'm being paranoid lol.

 

[rtparty]

You are overthinking it. Just start dosing and monitor some elements. Adjust the dose accordingly. Whether you made it perfectly is irrelevant now

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Just make it exactly the same every time. Use the same flat edge to level the cup if you are paranoid. It won't matter if it mixes to exactly. What you mix will be the same batch after batch. Just adjust dose to what you mix.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, if I accidentally added a few too many mls of RO/DI, or a "not level" scoop of powder, will this kick the parameters out of wack? Is there a way to check that I mixed correctly? I think I'm being paranoid lol.

No, it will be fine.

 

[thedon986]

You can also use a scale to measure it out in grams

 

[Sdoutreefer]

You are overthinking it. Just start dosing and monitor some elements. Adjust the dose accordingly. Whether you made it perfectly is irrelevant now

I like that approach. I am waaaaayyyy overthinking it. Thanks for talking me off the ledge.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

No, it will be fine.

Thank you Randy!

 

[Sdoutreefer]

You can also use a scale to measure it out in grams

I even bought a scale for this exact thing... Put it on the top shelf of my 'reef' closet and complete forgot that I had it lol.

I think I'll just be using a straight edge to cut it. Thank you for your feedback!!

 

[exnisstech]

I like that approach. I am waaaaayyyy overthinking it. Thanks for talking me off the ledge.

Just mentioning this in case it happens to you.
One thing I've discovered is occasionally mine will not mix clear. I don't remember the numbers but I use a 1 liter beaker with 900ml rodi and weigh the AFR powder using a grain scale meant for gun powder so I'm confident the scale is accurate and I do calibrate it so the amount is the same each time I mix. I use a magnetic stirrer and twice the solution would not mix clear. I searched and found others that had the issue and they reported they had to add more water. I have no explanation why but when it doesn't mix clear I slowly add a little rodi until it becomes clear. It doesn't seem to affect the strength because I do not have to change my dose amount to compensate for what should be a weaker mix.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Just mentioning this in case it happens to you.
One thing I've discovered is occasionally mine will not mix clear. I don't remember the numbers but I use a 1 liter beaker with 900ml rodi and weigh the AFR powder using a grain scale meant for gun powder so I'm confident the scale is accurate and I do calibrate it so the amount is the same each time I mix. I use a magnetic stirrer and twice the solution would not mix clear. I searched and found others that had the issue and they reported they had to add more water. I have no explanation why but when it doesn't mix clear I slowly add a little rodi until it becomes clear. It doesn't seem to affect the strength because I do not have to change my dose amount to compensate for what should be a weaker mix.

Good to know! Thank you for the input.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

I just got the 1600g powder for the same reason. It is simply cheaper to mix your own. Picked up a 1 liter container from amazon, have a gram scale, and also have a magnetic stirrer ready to go.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

What’s the instructions of the product? How many grams/cups of powder per gallon?

If you measured the proper amount, then you did it right. You gotta trust yourself.

There isn’t an easy way to test the potency. If you use it and it’s keeping your alkalinity in line like the premixed product, then it’s good.

I can't remember off the top of my head. I wanna say it's like 6 level scoops per 1000ml of RO/DI.

I just got the 1600g powder for the same reason. It is simply cheaper to mix your own. Picked up a 1 liter container from amazon, have a gram scale, and also have a magnetic stirrer ready to go.

That's the one thing I don't have, a magnetic stirrer. I just used an acrylic rod. Worked pretty well actually but just a lot of stirring, and stirring, and stirring, and more stirring. Makes me dizzy.

 

[XtraKargo]

I can't remember off the top of my head. I wanna say it's like 6 level scoops per 1000ml of RO/DI.

That's the one thing I don't have, a magnetic stirrer. I just used an acrylic rod. Worked pretty well actually but just a lot of stirring, and stirring, and stirring, and more stirring. Makes me dizzy.

Plus 1 here on the mag stirrer. Great little item for this. Here's the one I went for. Then I got a glass container from Ikea with the 900ml mark on the side, handle, spout, and a flat bottom. Works great.

 

[Sdoutreefer]

Plus 1 here on the mag stirrer. Great little item for this. Here's the one I went for. Then I got a glass container from Ikea with the 900ml mark on the side, handle, spout, and a flat bottom. Works great.

I've been eyeing the same one... Ok, you convinced me to buy it